Gray-headed Chickadee

The gray-headed chickadee is one of the rarest regularly breeding birds in Alaska. This boreal forest
songbird, formerly known as the Siberian Tit, has never received formal study in Alaska, outside of some
specimens collected by the noted wildlife biologist Olaus Murie and others early last century. It is a
resident to the state and does not appear to undergo long distance migrations. It closely resembles the
black-capped and boreal chickadees (it is often confused with the juvenile boreal chickadee) and can be
distinguished by the field marks described in the flyer below.

Though rarely observed and little is known about them, the gray-headed chickadee is believed to occur
primarily north of the tree line along the edges of rivers and streams where spruce, willow, and/or poplar
trees grow large enough to allow for a nest cavity (they are cavity nesters). Records also indicate that
they have been found, and may still occur, in Interior Alaska, usually in the winter. It is unknown if the
recorded sightings are of birds moving south from northern Alaska or if they are year-round, though largely
undetected, residents of the Interior.

Because so little is known about this species and because of its nearly endemic status in Alaska and likely
small breeding population, the Wildlife Diversity Program of ADF&G is interested in gathering baseline
information by locating areas where sufficient numbers of the species occur to allow for more in-depth
biological studies. The project’s current aim is simply to document where and when the gray-headed
chickadee occurs in the state. Any assistance in observing or detecting this species anywhere in Alaska
would be greatly appreciated! See the flyer below for information on how you can help out.

Possible Viewing Areas

We’re not sure! That’s why ADF&G is asking the public to help document sightings of this elusive and
largely unknown bird.